Blessed Peter James of Pesaro

June 25

Peter James (died 1496) was a scholar, teacher, calligrapher and reformer.

Little is known of his early life. In 1472 he was Director of Students in the Augustinian General House of Studies at Perugia. He earned the Degree of Lector in Theology in 1473 and the Degree of Master in Theology in 1479.

He was known for his prudence and sense of balance. He was Prior Provincial (regional superior) from 1492 to 1495. In this role, he brought about reforms in the Augustinian Order.

Peter James taught in Florence and Bologna. He was appointed Prior (local superior) in the Augustinian monasteries of Aquila, Bologna and Valmanente.

His final years were devoted to prayer and to the copying and illustrating liturgical books. He died in 1496 at Valmanente. His remains are preserved at the Augustinian Church of that city.